Board of Directors

Board Meeting Schedule

Board of Directors

Sinoma Brown

Board Member

Mrs. Brown joined our board with 30 years of healthcare experience, which included six years as the Director of Operating Room and Transplants with Shands at the University of Florida (UF Health). Mrs. Brown also serves as liaison to our Board of Associates (Meridian’s fundraising and advocacy board)

Ross Chandler

Board Member

Rev. Chandler, Bradford County Commissioner, District 1, is also the Pastor at True Vine Ministry in Starke, FL. He serves on our board to better understand the needs of mental health and to help in serving the people in his community and surrounding areas.

Byran da Frota

Board Member

Bryan da Frota currently serves as CEO of Prioria Robotics, Inc. Mr. da Frota received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Florida. Since its inception, Mr. da Frota has led Prioria to be recognized by the Inc.5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies multiple years in a row, Florida Companies to Watch, State of Florida’s Qualified Target Industry and Quick Action Closing Fund awards. He has served on the State of Florida’s cabinet level Homeland Defense & Security Target Industry Cluster Task Force. He believes in supporting causes and organizations for which he feels passionate. Mr. da Frota has served as the assistant fencing coach at the University of Florida and is a Trustee and Past President of the Board of Dance Alive National Ballet.

Jeff Feller

Board Member

Sharon Gay

Vice-Chair

Mrs. Gay joined our board while working at the Hamilton County Health Department as the Director of Nursing. Now retired, she remains active on our board to bring a voice to rural citizens in the face of changing healthcare.

Deborah Gordon

Board Member

Mrs. Gordon is a teacher for the Union County School Board at Lake Butler Middle School. She is a staunch supporter for the mental health industry and sees a need for increased services in her community.

Jodi Irving

Board Member

Professor Irving has a long standing interest and passion for prevention and treatment of mental health for the underserved. Participation on the Meridian board provides a voice for making selected contributions to those issues.

Sharon Longworth

Secretary

Ms. Longworth serves our community at the Alachua County Department of Court Services. With primary interest on mental health and its effect on families, she brings a wealth of education and experience to our board.

John Martz

Board Member

Paul Metts

Board Member

Mr. Metts has an extensive career in healthcare previously as the Chief Executive Officer for Shands at the University of Florida (UF Health) and the Chief Administrative Officer for the State of Florida Department of Health. He serves on our board for the opportunity to share the healthcare knowledge he has acquired over the past several decades in both the public and private sectors.

Irma Phillips-Maxwell

Board Member

Ms. Phillips-Maxwell has built her career around helping those in need as part of the Substance Abuse Treatment Team at the VA. Her service on Meridian’s board expands her service to those in need of treatment.

Becky Sharpe

Board Member

Mrs. Sharpe is a School Counselor and the Coordinator of Assessment, Home Education and Virtual School with Lafayette County Schools. She is an advocate of mental health services in the school and community.

Roslyn Slater

Emeritus

With a long career as a clinical social worker, in both agency and private practice, and in academia, Mrs. Slater offers a unique insight into the needs of those served by Meridian. Retirement has afforded her the time to combine her passion and experience to support the health of our community.

Susan Summers, Ph.D.

Board Member

Dr. Summers joined the Board with 40 years of professional and community service in this region, including a ten year stint as a Mental Health Counselor. She was one of the first licensed Mental Health Counselors in the state of Florida. Dr. Summers holds both a Master of Rehabilitation Counseling and a Ph.D. from the University of Florida in educational administration. She serves the Board as a passionate advocate for children and families in rural areas. She is employed as a school based administrator in the Columbia County School District.

Patricia Yates

Chairperson

Mrs. Yates, Vice President/Business Banker with Ameris Bank, is a life-long resident of North Central Florida. Her 30 plus years of banking and finance experience, combined with her belief in volunteerism and desire to raise awareness for area heathcare needs, make her a valuable member of our Board.